Finally, after a couple / few decades, I have attained my dream job as an engineer / inventor in the research and development branch of a technological solutions company with "deep pockets." I want to show everyone (especially my boss) that this is what I was meant to do. I want to produce amazing work, which I think I can. That's my wish.

But the problem is that in order to get to this point it feels like I ran a marathon. I'm at the finish line ready to collapse. And that's my obstacle: fatigue, burnout and (most worrisome) a possible steep decline in cognitive ability as my skills and know-how have been squandered for so long.

To start, I'm looking for "virtual mentors" who can motivate and direct me. I'm thinking along the lines of biographies of researchers with inspiring anecdotes of how they overcame adversity and even/especially tips/tricks in them that made them successful (or at least made their days go a little easier).

In fact the books that first whet my appetite (45 years ago) for this field were children's books: The Tom Swift Jr Adventure Series. Wouldn't it be great if I could read stories like that again, but this time around it wouldn't be fiction?

Congratulations. I only know you from the boards, but, from that, I know that you worked really hard to get the promotion, and you totally deserved it. (sorry for the teenage "totally" but the word just fits.) and I know you'll excel in it, just as your wish says.

You've had some challenges these past few years, so no wonder you're feeling a little burned out. (a lot burned out?)

I can identify with the feeling of burn out and the comments about cognitive whatever. I have a few more years, and lot more burnout under my belt than you do, and, one of the answers for me is to be more organized than I was in my twenties, thirties, and forties, and etc. etc. Since you're an engineer, you're probably already as organized as it gets.

I think one trick is doing something your way, using your own unique set of skills. You have less energy doing things "their way", but if you can make it yours, you might get drawn into it and feel the passion again.

Thanks, Elaine. You'd think I'd be organized, and I was initially. But that's another thing that I slacked off on, due to the overwhelming number of requests I would get to "put out fires" and babysit people in manufacturing.

But I've already taken step to remedy this lack of organization. I've gone back to my computer-based task management program (which went through two major revisions since I last used it). I'm taking time to relearn it and get more from it this time.

Wwt wrote:I think one trick is doing something your way, using your own unique set of skills. You have less energy doing things "their way", but if you can make it yours, you might get drawn into it and feel the passion again.

Thanks, Wwt. Yes, I'm starting to use the planning / journaling program that I stopped using about four years ago. It's gone through two versions since then, and there's a learning curve. But it's quite unique, fun and cool!

Well, I've started the light treatment for SAD, again. I think that's what you're noticing.

My "inventor-Mentor" motivational reading has taken a slight detour. I'm reading / re-reading "The Biology of Belief" (Lipton). It's the new edition that came out two years ago, and it's annotated with updates. I had read an earlier edition, hence the "reading / re-reading".

Looking back through this topic, I see that I neglected to mention that I went to the doctor early July with specific complaints that included forgetfulness, fatigue and muscle aches -- most of what I experience with burnout. He gave me a requisition for a blood draw, although he wasn't sure what codes to use.

The results came back negative (nothing found). But I still have problems.

Already I'm taking a Special Pill, an upper, basically. Started that in January. Felt great two hours after the first dose. But I don't notice any effect from it anymore.

Ah, beware the doctor who throws pills at a situation. Have you considered seeing a nutritionist. I have a friend who had those symptoms and gave up gluten (I know, I know, it is the fad thing to do). She swears it turned everything around.

I've given up on the prescription "uppers." The first pill was amazing. Then soon after, it didn't seem to do anything. So I've given up taking them.

I've been reading the 10th anniversary edition of Bruce Lipton's "The Biology of Belief." My reaction to this medication is first-hand evidence that backs up the idea that biological systems are inter-related. Trying to interject a "correction" in one system will affect many other systems, and the body will just adapt and return to a new equilibrium similar to the initial condition. For example, histimine produces an inflammatory reaction in the body, but it stimulates the brain. When we take an anti-histimine to alleviate allergies, we experience drowsiness.

Anyway, yes, I've seen a couple of different naturapathic doctors. The same thing happens. They prescribe a lot of expensive supplements plus a whole food lo-carb diet. Initially there's a favorable response -- I lost 10 pounds fairly easily and felt slightly energized. But then fatigue would come back and those supplements had no effect.

Usually I'm the one on this board to encourage people to get plenty of rest, exercise, eat right and see a health professional. But I've stopped believing in that as a long-term solution.

The good news is that my work assignments are starting to motivate me. I get fewer calls to "put out fires" and there's more pressure to expand our product offerings. To me, that's great stuff. I'm also using my planning software to keep track of my interruptions, and I'm learning a lot about my work environment and my thought process.

A neat pick-me-up I discovered is to drink lemon juice and seltzer at about 4pm when I start to drag. I might also include a couple of ounces of Red Bull or Starbucks Refresher. So much better than coffee.

Also, I really think the most effective "uppers" so far are my CPAP machine (for sleep apnea) and the light therapy. I think I should use the light therapy all year round. Has anyone heard from InspireSuccess? She had been asking about light therapy. (Oh darn, I just realized that I forgot to have my treatment today. But then again, I was working outside in bright sunshine doing gardening and such, so I'm probably better off than if I'd staying inside and done the treatment. I feel great actually.)